S4J was founded in the conviction that justice is precondition for universal and lasting peace, yet that far far too often injustice remains unnoticed and far too few times action is taken. S4J therefore sees its task in collecting information on issues related to human rights and to engage the concerned human rights bodies of the United Nations accordingly.

S4J is particularly concerned about violations of the four fundamental freedoms that lay the foundation for the Universal Declaration for Human Rights: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. This includes in particular the rights of minorities and the right to development, especially when violations affect fundamental rights such as the right to life and liberty, the right to due process and law, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. S4J further examines cases of racial discrimination and racially motivated violence.